Total forecast rainfall for the next eight days – Source: BOM

A substantial late-autumn rain event is forecast to affect Australia’s eastern states and territories during the second half of this week, according to Weatherzone.

A low pressure system and associated trough crossing the country from west to east this week is expected to generate widespread rain and storms, Weatherzone’s Ben Domensino said.

Another trough forming over eastern Queensland will contribute to the deluge.

Rainfall will be heavy enough to cause flooding in some parts of the county and severe thunderstorms are also likely.

The initial phase of the event will affect parts of Western Australia and South Australia during the first half of the week.

The bulk of the rain will fall between Thursday to Saturday, Mr Domensino said, when widespread totals in excess of 20mm are likely in Queensland, New South Wales, inland Victoria and northern Tasmania.

Some areas will see more than 50mm and isolated totals above 100mm are likely in some places.

“This will be the heaviest rain in at least two months for large swathes of eastern and southeast Australia,” Mr Domensino said.

“This system is on track to produce the heaviest rain since cyclone Debbie for central Queensland, where computer models suggest more than 100mm will fall by Saturday.

“This would be enough rainfall to cause flooding in the region.

The Murray Darling Basin will pick up some notable rainfall too. Three-day totals of 20-40mm expected in parts of western New South Wales and northern Victoria.

“Thunderstorms are likely to develop in multiple states as this system move across the country. The greatest risk of severe storms will be in the east during the second half of the week as atmospheric moisture and instability increase.”

Weatherzone’s depiction of the rainfall forecast for Thursday. Source: Weatherzone.